Hiking Essentials

While winter can be a more challenging time to get out and enjoy the outdoors on a regular basis, there are still opportunities to enjoy activities such as hiking. Hiking during the winter can provide the chance to take in beautiful views of the snowy terrain, and maybe even get out the snowshoes. Many people have some kind of idea as to what to bring in their hiking day pack, but this list will break down the ten essentials of what you should pack. 

1. Navigation

When it comes to navigation, a map and compass are essential. A good topographic map of the area you are hiking in can show you various trails and landmarks. Learning how to read a baseplate compass will also help if you become disoriented. While a GPS device works great, keep in mind that it will require batteries. If you’re traveling in the backcountry, it’s also a good idea to bring a personal locator beacon. This device can send out a message and determine your position if you’re in an area with poor cell service.

2. First Aid

You can buy a small first aid kit at most sporting goods stores, or you can make your own. Make sure you know how to use all the items in your first aid kit. Your kit should include bandages, gauze, gloves, tape, pain medication, and blister treatment.

3. Sun Protection

Even during the winter, protection from the sun is important. Having a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses can protect from your eyes from harmful sun rays and snow blindness. Sunscreen is also essential, especially at higher elevations. Even during colder months, the potential for sunburn is present. 

4. Headlamp

A headlamp can help you find your way at night, as well as keep you hands-free to perform different tasks. Make sure to bring extra batteries!

5. Fire

If you run into an emergency, having supplies to start a fire is essential. A butane lighter or waterproof matches work well. Firestarter that will light quickly and burn for a few seconds will also be helpful. Candles, twine, and dryer lint all work well.

6. Knife

A good knife or multitool can be helpful when preparing food, repairing gear, or first aid. Depending on your needs, you can carry a basic folding knife, or a more elaborate multitool. Items for making repairs such as tape, cord, and zip ties can also be helpful.

7. Food

It’s a good idea to bring a day’s worth of food when you’re hiking. Food such as jerky, granola bars, and dried fruit that don’t require cooking are all good options.

8. Shelter

Keeping some type of emergency shelter such as a tarp, space blanket, or even trash bag can help protect you from wind and rain in case you become stranded. 

9. Water

Make sure you have enough water for your trip. Typically, you will need ½ liter per hour, but you’ll need to take into account other factors such as elevation and temperature. Carrying some type of water treatment method is also important in the backcountry. 

10. Clothing

The weather can turn quickly, especially at higher elevations, so it’s important to bring extra layers such as socks, gloves, and a jacket. For hiking in colder weather, carry extra layers for your upper and lower body.

Learning to pack these items, whether you are going on a day hike or into the backcountry is a good habit. Make sure to take into account the weather, distance you will be traveling, and the difficulty of your hike. Hopefully we’ll see you on the trail!

Happy trails!

Beating the Winter Blues!

I know for me winter is a tricky time of year.  The days are shorter and the temps are lower giving us every excuse to stay inside and be vegetative.  That, however, is neither good for us physically or mentally.  The vitamin D we get from sunlight and the cortisol and endorphins released from exercise are what my body craves year round.  But how can we get these things come winter? 

For me, winter is a perfect time to let out your inner child.    

No matter your age, there is something magical about snow.  If we think like kids and focus on the magic and not on icy roads and school delays, what’s not to love?  It provides a peaceful, unblemished canvas of the world on which we can go snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or just go outside and build a snowman or a fort with (or without) our kids. 

Now that you’ve decided to get out here are some tips on how:

·         Dressing correctly is essential.  Although many of us have cotton tees and jeans hanging around the house, try to avoid wearing these fabrics on your winter adventures.  If they get wet, either from snow or sweat, they will no longer keep you warm. Also, dress in layers.  You want to have enough layers to stay warm while sedentary, but because you naturally warm up when you exercise, you will want to be able to shed a few to avoid sweating and getting a chill.  Next, don’t forget to cover up your ears and hands.  Over the years I’ve invested in a couple pair of high quality mittens because if my hands get cold, being outside just isn’t fun anymore.  And last of all, remember the sun.  As a kid, I didn’t think about the sun’s effects in winter until one day Kristen Bourrett came to 4^th grade with a face burn and a ski goggle tan.  The sun is especially potent in the winter so make sure to put sunscreen on and wear a pair of sunglasses or goggles appropriate for the day’s adventure.

·         Drink up. It isn’t intuitive to drink when it is cold outside, but make sure to bring some type of liquid. I am sometimes better at convincing myself to sip down some hot chocolate while adventuring in the winter, but sometimes some crisp cool water is just what my body needs. 

·         Bring a sweet treat.  Make sure to have a quick snack on hand just in case.  Normally, I am an advocate for healthy eating, but when I am outside exercising in the winter sugars and fats are what my body craves. So give in if you want to eat a candy bar.  Just remember that your food might freeze.  You want to avoid bringing something that might turn into an ice cube and send you to the dentist as a result.

Now that you are prepared, what can you do with yourself?

 

·         If you own a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis, the Ruby Vista golf course is a great location in town to get in a few laps in during the winter.  Plenty of people have already been out there laying tracks around the course. 

·         Alternatively, check out the Snobowl facebook page to see about their schedule.  Rentals are available onsite and the beginner hill has been open already this year.

·         If you are a snowmobiler, there are plenty of places to go in the area. Although the upper parts of Lamoille remain closed to motorized vehicles, there are plenty of other places to explore in Elko county.

·         If you just want to get out and go for a walk in the snow, give snowshoeing a try.  It is essentially just walking with tennis rackets strapped to your boots.  In Elko, you can borrow snowshoes from the BLM, and in Winnemucca you can rent them from us at the Nevada Outdoor School office. 

·         Stay tuned… starting in late January, we will be partnering with the BLM, Forest Service and Nevada State Parks to host monthly night hikes in the Elko area. We will be posting details on our Nevada Outdoor School- Elko Facebook page closer to the date. 

Who knows, you might make a few new friends in the snow.  

I hope to see you out there!

Night Hikes!

Winter can be a bit of a discouraging time for everyone, but especially those of us who want to get outside.  When I was young I could not get enough time playing outside in the snow, but as an adult, I find myself more often choosing to stay inside and enjoy the warmth. I think one of the biggest deterrence of wintertime recreation is the limited daylight. By the time most of us get home from work, the sun has gone down and the temperatures have dropped below freezing.  

Convincing yourself to get outside in the dark is likely going to be the biggest challenge of your wintertime adventure. However, if you can get over that initial hurdle, there are a few things that you can do to increase your comfort level. 

The first and most Obvious is to make sure that you have the appropriate gear. Wearing multiple layers ensures that you will be comfortable in the cold of night, it is important to self-regulate your temperature, you don’t want to get too sweaty on that long uphill only to be damp and cold on the trek down. Shed some of your warmer layers if you feel yourself getting too warm, and take breaks if necessary.  It is also a good idea to bring a thermos of warm drinks to help you warm up or a jet boil to heat some water for tea or cocoa.  Be sure to brink some snacks also, your body burns a lot of energy just keeping you warm. While some folks like to allow their eyes to adjust to the dark, and avoid using a headlamp, I like to use mine earlier rather than later. Having the ability to clearly see what type of terrain you are walking on helps to avoid rolled ankles or worse. 

Hiking in the dark can be intimidating. It is difficult to be as aware of your surroundings.  Personally, I am always more concerned about an encounter with wildlife when Hiking in the dark. Be sure to research what kind of wildlife you might encounter in your area, and what to do in the event that you see them.  Having that knowledge going into your adventure well help you to feel more confident while you are on the trail.  One of the best ways to gain confidence on the trail at night is to do it! The more experience you have navigating a tail in the dark, the more comfortable you will feel doing it. If you are hoping to get your feet wet with a group hike before embarking on a solo adventure, NOS leads evening hikes once a month. These guided hikes are a great way to introduce yourself to night hiking, and even meet a potential hiking buddy. 

Hope to see you out there!